While they may be tiny, Jack Be Little pumpkins and their little brother Baby Boo pumpkins have a huge presence. They show up big for fall decorating and even Autumn cooking and baking recipes. You’ll find them shining practically everywhere.
There is a lot of attention given to big, giant pumpkins. You are now at the far end of the size spectrum, and have entered the cute and adorable world of miniature pumpkins. The most popular variety is fondly known as Jack Be Little pumpkins, they are often abbreviated to “JBLs”. Fitting in the palm of your hand, most miniature Jack Be Little pumpkins are orange, There is also white colored mini pumpkin called “Baby Boo”. A third variety is a blend of orange and white.
Also abbreviated “JBL”, Miniature pumpkins have a tiny presence in the pumpkin patch. They don’t know how to “tip the scale” at a pumpkin weigh off. It would take a whole bunch of them, to even nudge the scale. But, their presence in fall decorating is absolutely HUGE! From early fall, through to Thanksgiving, decorating with pumpkins is the rage. You’ll find miniature pumpkins everywhere. Use mini pumpkins singly, and in groups. They can go places where giant pumpkins and field pumpkins dare not, and can not, go.
Growing miniature Jack B. Little and Baby Boo pumpkins takes up a whole lot less space. Many people grow them along fences, on trellises, or down from a balcony or deck. You will enjoy growing them. And, the kids will, too.
Did you Know? A miniature pumpkin is actually a gourd. But, only botanist calls them gourds. To us, they are pumpkins………. no doubt about it.
Growing miniature pumpkins is fun. JBLs take up far less space than Jack O’Lanterns. You can grow them on a trellis, or fence. You can even grow them in large pots, and let them hang down from your deck.
Plant them indoors, or sow directly outside in the spring. Like other pumpkin varieties, they are tender annuals. Plant after the last frost in your area.
If you have limited space, plant miniature pumpkins be a fence or trellis. Train them up to the fence. You can also grow them in large containers. The trick is to provide a large container, and to add lots of fertilizer and plenty of water on a regular basis.
Keep miniature pumpkin plants well watered. It’s best to keep the soil moist, not wet. Apply fertilizers on a regular basis.
Like all pumpkin varieties, many insects and plant diseases can affect miniature pumpkin plants. Apply insecticides and fungicides early, and on a regular basis.
Each plant produces up to 8-10 cute, little miniature pumpkin fruits. Harvest when they turn completely orange, and the stem has dried and turned brown in color. Cut the stem near the vine with a sharp knife. Be careful not to break the stem. Like larger pumpkins, the stem gives JBLs character.
Use miniature pumpkins in decorating projects and displays. They look great in any and every room of your house.
Yes, miniature pumpkins are edible. You can use them in a variety of recipes. They are great stuffed or as bowls to serve puddings or jello.
Recipe Suggestions:
May we suggest? Pumpkin Candle Holders – Carve out a hole in the top of a miniature pumpkin. Insert a candle. Do not leave lit candles unattended.
